E-Health Literacy of Medical Students at a University in Central Vietnam

Abstract

Background: The study is to measure eHealth literacy of medical students at a university in central Vietnam and to examine factors influencing their skills. Material and Method: This is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected through the self-administered structured questionnaire of 410 students who were randomly selected among general medical students and preventive medicine students in the fifth year at Hue University. The eHealth literacy scale was developed on the basis of eHEALS to measure skills for seeking and utilizing sources of eHealth information. Multiple linear regression model was used to identify factors influencing their eHealth literacy. Results: The study found that the general mean score for eHealth literacy among participants is 27.03 (SD = 3.54). Factors influencing eHealth literacy are genders (p=0.001), training program (p=0.013), computer skills (p=0.031) and purpose of seeking and using medical information (p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings showed that eHealth literacy of medical students in the study setting is still limited. In order to improve these skills of students, the educators should have relevant teaching strategies that promote the interest and skills of students to locate and evaluate eHealth resources